Northshore Networks and Secondary Academy for Success (SAS) have been named 2014 School of Distinction award winners for the Puget Sound Educational Service District (PSESD).

The award recognizes the top 5 percent of schools in Washington state that have made sustained improvements in reading and math over five years. Northshore Networks and SAS were two of 50 schools in 18 school districts within the PSESD region, to be recognized at an awards ceremony Nov. 4, at the PSESD office in Renton.

“Feeling cared for, safe and connected is important for students to be successful. Northshore Networks and Secondary Academy for Success teachers work hard to develop strong relationships and connections with students,” Principal Donna Tyo said. “Their work and commitment are evident in our students’ continued and growing success.”

School of Distinction awards are granted by the Center for Educational Effectiveness in partnership with the Association of Educational Service Districts, the Association of Washington School Principals, Washington Association of School Administrators, Washington State School Directors’ Association and Washington State Association for Supervision and Curriculum Development.

Northshore Networks is an individualized, customized and independent learning program for Northshore students in grades 1-12 as an option to the traditional learning environment.

SAS is an alternative high school for students in grades 9-12 whose learning styles require different instructional approaches and who need or want an alternative setting to the large comprehensive high school.

The Northshore School District’s Secondary Academy for Success staff.